As we've said above, we think luxury vinyl tile is the best choice for dogs. It's tough and easy to clean like laminate, and now comes in a huge variety of wood and tile effects for the style-conscious. LVT has scratch-resistant and waterproof properties, making it the most durable and dog-proof flooring around.
Laminate is meant to closely resemble hardwood flooring and is a close competitor to LVP, but fails to match up with regard to water/mess resistance. LVP is completely waterproof, making it the superior choice for pet-resistant flooring.
LVP is designed to withstand the wear and tear caused by pets, making it an ideal choice for homes with dogs. One of the main benefits of LVP flooring is its scratch-resistant surface.
Durability: Laminate flooring is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, making it a good option for homes with dogs. It's less prone to scratches and dents compared to softer flooring materials like hardwood.
Made from softwood fibres, laminate flooring will cope with minimal spillages as it is water resistant. However, excessive liquid from dog pee or water bowls, can cause buckling of the boards and any moisture that penetrates the joins between the boards will cause deterioration and damage.
Laminate is made from a composite of wood fibers, while luxury vinyl plank is made from 100% vinyl. As a result, laminate is more durable and resistant to scratches and staining, while luxury vinyl plank is more flexible and easier to repair.
Vinyl flooring can be resistant to stains and spills, including pet urine, but it is not completely pee-proof. If pet urine is left on vinyl flooring for an extended period, it can potentially stain or discolor the flooring.
If you're looking for the best flooring option for pets, vinyl is the winner. Laminate can be slippery and noisy under the "click-click" of large pet toenails.
Laminate floors
Laminate flooring is good for pet owners, but not so good for pets. It's tough, and resists scratches and splashes, but the hard melanin surface doesn't offer much grip for their paws which can see them sliding about if they get too excited.
Vinyl and LVT: Highly durable, can withstand heavy traffic and active play. Laminate: Good for traffic, but can be slippery for dogs. Hardwood and Engineered Wood: Can be durable but may require more maintenance to handle scratches. Tile: Extremely durable but may be cold and hard on dogs' joints.
Vinyl flooring is a synthetic waterproof product made up of thin layers of compressed materials. It's available in a soft, flexible plank, semi-flexible plank and a rigid core plank. Laminate flooring is a versatile product made up primarily of wood or stone composites, making it a sustainable and recyclable product.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is one of the best waterproof and scratch-proof flooring options. It gives a natural hardwood look and offers great durability and resistance to water and scratches. Luxury Vinyl Plank is made up of multiple layers, including a tough top layer that protects against scratches and dents.
For high-traffic areas, vinyl flooring has historically emerged as the superior choice due to its exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Many homeowners prefer the look of laminate to that of vinyl. Although both flooring types come in a range of styles, colors, and patterns, laminate often features more realistic imagery and embossing.
The Most Waterproof Floors For Dogs, Cats & Other Pets
For laminates, our best floors for pets are Capper Sharrock or Lifestyle laminate. They are all scratch-resistant, waterproof, durable, noise-reducing and slip-resistant.
Firstly, it can be difficult to install and may require professional help. Secondly, vinyl plank flooring is not as durable as other types of flooring such as hardwood or tile. It is also prone to scratching and denting from heavy furniture or objects being dragged across the surface.
Tile Flooring
Durable and truly timeless, porcelain tile, ceramic tile and stone tile have long been go-to options for pet owners. Here's why it's some of the best flooring for dogs: Benefits: Tile is a durable, long-life material.
Not moisture-proof
Being made of wood, laminate flooring is not impervious to the effects of moisture. Therefore, it's not suitable as a hard flooring for bathrooms and should be used with caution in kitchens or laundries. Light surface water for cleaning shouldn't cause issues, but saturation must be avoided.
Pets, especially dogs with long nails, can be rough on flooring surfaces. Vinyl plank flooring's scratch-resistant surface helps it withstand the occasional claw marks, reducing the risk of unsightly marks or damage.
Laminate is best to install in climate-controlled areas. Vinyl, however, is a much different story. Parterre vinyl in particular is a hard, closed-cell vinyl allowing for the product to be more water resistant and ideal for higher-moisture areas.
The quality of the vinyl floor is another factor that contributes to susceptibility to scratches. Cheaper floors typically have a thinner top layer, making them more prone to scratching. For this reason, it is recommended to invest in a high-quality vinyl floor with a thick top layer.
Conclusion. Laminate flooring is making a comeback in 2024, driven by enhanced technology, sustainability, and affordability. While vinyl remains a strong contender, especially for moisture-prone areas, laminate's realistic visuals, durability, and cost-effectiveness make it a compelling choice for many homeowners.